Synopsis
A brief introduction to how and why different objects sink or float.
Leslie Rounds - Children's Literature
This book, one of the series, "Simply Science," explains in fairly simple terms why objects either float or sink. It includes definitions of density and water displacement. The book also does a good job of explaining why some objects made of very dense materials, such a steel ships, are able to remain afloat. The book offers large print, easy to read text on bright white backgrounds. Most double page spreads include a full-page illustration, clearly labeled with an explanatory caption. Difficult to understand words are printed in bold face type and defined in a glossary. The book also includes a table of contents, an index, and a list of sources for more information. There is an Internet address for the publisher's web page that includes three links to other Internet sites, two of which are functional, grade appropriate, and interesting, and one which was not working on the day it was checked. Although this book covers a topic that is likely to also be dealt with in lower grade level science textbooks, it offers some additional information that would make it a worthwhile purchase for many libraries serving elementary students. 2004, Compass Point Books, Ages 7 to 10.